Gov Okpebholo assures improved welfare for Edo workers

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Friday, said that his administration will do everything possible to take care of workers in the state for them to be happy.

Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance while receiving the state leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), led by its Acting Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide

He said: “Whatever we are doing, which is favouring Edo workers, is done because it is our responsibility as a government.

“Edo people voted for us to work for them, and that is what we are doing to ensure life is made better for our people, including the workers.

“We embrace transparency in all that we do as a government to enable the people to trust us as we are not afraid of criticism.

“Positive criticism will put us on our toes to work harder for Edo people.

“The renewed hope agenda of the president has given us room and platform to perform and serve Edo people better as we embark on practical governance.

“We are doing everything in the State to ensure peace, unity, growth, and development.

“That is why we ensure smooth collaboration amongst the three tires of government.

“In all we do in the State, we ensure the three Senatorial zones are carried along.”

On his part, the NLC acting chairman, Egwekhide, commended Okpebholo for his developmental strides and the friendly environment created for the workers in Edo to operate.

He said the visit was necessary as the body had come to congratulate the Governor for his victory at the election petition tribunal in Abuja.

According to him, “Workers in Edo State are proud of you for the developmental strides in the State.

“You have created a friendly relationship between your administration and Edo workers as you have always taken steps to favour Edo State workers.

“Without asking, workers received their 13th month. You raised the subvention of Ambrose Ali University (AAU) from N41 to N500 million.

“You regularized casual workers in Edo State. You increased what is due pensioners monthly from N50 million to N1 billion naira for both local and State pensioners”, he said

He noted that a committee has been set up to look into the compulsory pension scheme, which has become a burden on retired civil servants, adding that the report will be submitted to him for his action.

“We thank the governor for several employment given to our people in the very short time in office.”

In a related development, Governor Monday Okpebholo also received the new branch controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edo State, Apanke Utande who was on a courtesy visit to Government House.

Governor Okpebholo urged Utande to collaborate with his administration to improve the lives of Edo people.